The convenience of reaching cargo is ideal in a step bed pickup. The step between the cab and rear fender provides a place for the loader's feet while reaching into the bed. Thus, this pickup is referred to as a 'step bed.'
With the introduction of the fleetside box in the late 1950's, there was no step. Placing cargo in the bed became much more difficult if added from the side of the bed. With some complaints, GM realized there was an opportunity to market a unique dealer installed accessory for this newer truck. A cast aluminum step was designed to actually fit into the fleetside sheet metal. Once the correct hole was cut in the bedside, the new step made access to cargo almost as easy as with the stepside. These were introduced in the mid or late 1960's. They are a very rare item!
